Vocational Education and Training Clusters

Strategic functions and key activities

Effective VET clusters perform strategic functions to ensure all students have access to VCE VET in priority industries. Each function encompasses a range of key activities.

Strategic functions are the activities the cluster will engage in to expand the volume and breadth of VET available to school students, and to grow the clusters’ capabilities.

A VET cluster self-assessment tool (DOCX) has been developed to monitor progress of a cluster against the functions set out below.

1. Address barriers to participation in VET

• Design an approach to identify and monitor barriers to access (including equitable access) across the cluster
• Develop possible solutions to barriers (for example, alternative delivery models, alternate timetabling models, or mini-clusters)
• Engage relevant stakeholders and access supports

2. Respond to student demand, local needs and opportunities to expand VET options and availability

• Compile and analyse cluster-level data on:
  • VET provision
  • student needs (including priority cohorts), aspirations and demand
  • student engagement and outcomes
  • infrastructure utilisation
  • workforce capacity
  • industry needs
• Strategically plan the cluster’s continuous improvement, including by identifying and responding to:
  • barriers and opportunities to improve cluster functionality, for example financial viability or engagement of key stakeholders
  • emerging opportunities and risks to school student access to VET
• Increase the breadth and volume of VET available to school students, for example by:
  • facilitating the sharing of infrastructure and workforce
  • facilitating workforce training opportunities
  • negotiating provision with TAFEs and RTOs

3. Facilitate improved practice in the coordination and delivery of VET to school students

• Facilitate networks of school VET coordinators (and other relevant staff), practitioners, trainers and key stakeholders to share practice experiences and expertise
• Identify professional learning needs and facilitate opportunities for school VET coordinators, other relevant school staff (for example, business managers, principals, careers practitioners) and VET trainers
• Provide induction and mentoring support on cluster operations to new school VET coordinators, other relevant school staff and new RTOs, providers and trainers
• Celebrate student and trainer excellence (for example running awards nights, student recognition programs)

Clusters have additional functions that support effective use of Trade Training Centre and Australian Technical College facilities. For more information, refer to: Trade Training Centres.